From Game Scores to Point Spreads: Understanding Sports Betting Basics

Sports fans are fluent in the language of the scoreboard. You know what a 27 to 24 finish feels like, you can tell whether a game was a blowout or a nail-biter, and you instinctively understand what it means when a team “couldn’t finish drives” or “won the turnover battle.” Then you open a sportsbook, and suddenly you are staring at a different format.

The good news is that it is still the same game, just written in numbers before it happens. Once you know what each number is trying to describe, the page stops feeling confusing and starts feeling readable.

Moneyline Betting

A moneyline bet is a bet on the outright winner. You are not betting on how pretty the win looks or how many points they win by. You are only betting on which team has more points when time runs out.

On popular platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook, moneyline odds are displayed as a plus or minus number, and that number determines the payout. Negative odds usually sit next to the favorite, which means the sportsbook sees them as more likely to win. Positive odds usually sit next to the underdog, indicating the sportsbook considers them less likely to win.

A simple way to read moneyline odds is to focus on what they imply about risk and reward. Favorites typically pay less because they are expected to win more often. Underdogs typically pay more because winning is less likely, so the payout has to be bigger to attract bets.

Point Spread Betting

Point spreads exist because many games are not evenly matched. If one team is clearly stronger, betting only on the winner can feel unbalanced and expensive. The point spread adds a handicap, making both sides more realistic betting options.

When a team is listed at minus points, they are the favorite and must win by more than that number to win the bet. When a team is listed at plus points, they are the underdog and can win the bet by winning outright or losing by fewer points than the spread. This is why two people can watch the same game, agree on who wins, and still disagree on which side of the spread is better.

Totals (Over Under)

Totals, also called over under, focus on the combined points scored by both teams. This bet does not care who wins the game. It only cares about whether the final total lands above or below the posted number.

Totals feel tied to the flow of the game because pace and style drive scoring. Faster play, more chances, and aggressive decisions tend to push totals higher, while slower tempo and strong defense often pull totals lower. To grade a total, add both teams’ scores and compare to the line. A total of 47.5 means 48 or more is over, and 47 or fewer is under.

Other Betting Options

Once you understand moneylines, spreads, and totals, you will start noticing other common bets on the same board. These options do not replace the basics, but they give you different ways to bet on parts of a game or a season.

Prop bets

Prop bets focus on specific stats or moments inside a game. Instead of picking the winner or the margin, you might bet on a player’s points, a quarterback’s passing yards, or which team scores first. They are popular because they let you zoom in on one clear storyline.

Because props can swing on small changes, it is essential to stay up to date on the latest news before you bet. Resources like FanDuel Research can help you track things that move prop results, such as injuries, lineup changes, minutes, and role shifts. Even one update can change how likely a player is to hit a number.

Parlays

Parlays combine multiple picks into one bet. The payout can be higher because you are linking outcomes together on a single ticket. The catch is that every part of the parlay must win for it to cash. That makes parlays exciting, but also harder to hit consistently. One wrong pick usually means the whole bet loses.

Futures

Futures are bets on long-term outcomes, like a team winning a championship or a player winning an award. You can place them well before the season ends, sometimes months in advance. They are graded at the conclusion of the season or tournament.

The upside is that you can back a bigger-picture opinion, not just one game. The downside is that your money is tied up longer, and a lot can change over time. It helps to think of futures as slow bets that reward patience and planning.

Beyond the Final Score

A good way to stay grounded is to make sure you can explain any bet in plain words before placing it. If you cannot say what needs to happen for it to win, it is probably not the right bet to make yet. Getting comfortable with the basics takes repetition, so practice by checking how different bets would have graded after games you already watched. That simple review builds confidence faster than memorizing terms. When the rules of the bet are clear, your decisions get calmer and more consistent.